VVA Monino have won the Russian National Championship 15 times, including the last three, and have also won the Russian Cup 12 times.

Six of those years have seen the Russian club complete the domestic double.

In 2003 the Moscow Regional Rugby Centre was created in Monino and this has helped to improve the team’s preparation and improve its results.

In 2007 the England Counties national rugby squad toured Russia with VVA being the only team to defeat them. VVA Monino are now widely recognised as the leaders of Russian domestic rugby.

The fixture has partly been organised with help from Russia national manager Steve Diamond, who is a former Sale and Saracens coach, and is spear-heading the movement that has seen Russia move up to 18th in the world rankings.

Rygbi Gogledd Cymru chairman Kenton Morgan said: “Rygbi Gogledd Cymru aims to be a global brand. Here we have the opportunity, not necessarily to win, but to compete and to make contacts for the future.

“It is early days for us, but with the under-20s also playing Japan last weekend we are making a statement about North Wales rugby.

“We are determined to contribute to the Welsh game at the highest level, but we cannot do this without spectator support. Wednesday will be an opportunity to extend the Welsh hand of hospitality to our Russian guests and they deserve a good crowd.”